scapegoat
Example Sentences
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The Indian captain of an alleged Russian shadow fleet oil vessel seized by British commandos has been made a "scapegoat", his wife told AFP, as her husband awaits trial.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
He claimed he had been made a "scapegoat" after a "witch hunt" following the operation, carried out at the Royal Oldham Hospital, where he was working as a locum on 25 August 2020.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
Is L.A. the villain, the scapegoat, or both?
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026
The group’s president, Basil Russo—a former Democratic politician from Cleveland—said Columbus had become a scapegoat for Western colonization.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
He had the feeling that Brother Leon was that kind of character, that he would need a scapegoat and Brian would be closest at hand.
From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier
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“It’s important for them to let people know, ‘Hey, we’re here to figure out what’s going on and we’re here to correct it, not find individual scapegoats.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Some say they are being used as easy scapegoats for the rising cost of living, with the hostility concentrated on them because they form the largest group of asylum seekers.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
Sports loves scapegoats, but it can’t be pinned on one moment or individual.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
This attempted rebranding relied, as always, on scapegoats.
From Salon ● Feb. 25, 2026
Among the many scapegoats chosen were elderly women living alone, who were charged with witchcraft: Kepler’s mother was carried away in the middle of the night in a laundry chest.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
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Vocabulary lists containing scapegoat
Idioms and Expressions, List 1
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Jane Eyre
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